Win Justice for Indigenous People in Ghana

Introduction:

We are thrilled to share the recent landmark court judgment for the Indigenous People of Benimasi-Boadi-Goaso (Huahi Achama Tutuwaa Royal Family). This victory is a testament to the relentless efforts and unwavering support of Land Rights Defenders Inc. Our organization played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the Huahi Royal Family, providing legal assistance, and mobilizing community support to achieve this historic outcome. However, the battle is far from over. We need your support now more than ever to enforce this judgment and safeguard our community against illegal land grabs and undue influence by fiduciaries within the Kumasi Traditional Council. These lands are more than just property; they are their heritage, their sustenance, their identity, and the resting place of their ancestors. Together, we can continue to protect the inalienable rights of Indigenous families and uphold the rule of law in Ghana’s Ashanti region.

Situation:

Land Rights Defenders Inc. is committed to protecting ancestral lands and preserving the planet's rich biodiversity. Our mission is rooted in the belief that land is not just a resource, but a sacred inheritance that must be safeguarded for future generations. The current state of affairs for Indigenous family lands in Ghana’s Ashanti region is dire. Despite the protections offered by Ghana's Land Act 2020 (Act 1036), legal recognition of Indigenous land rights remains elusive. Intimidation, harassment, criminalization, disappearances, defamation, and even violence are common tactics used against Indigenous people defending their lands, creating a hostile environment that severely undermines their efforts to safeguard their heritage and livelihoods.

In the Benimasi-Boadi community, the Kumasi Traditional Council has infiltrated long-held customs and traditions, holding uninformed members of our community as hostages and fueling discord and chaos, thereby maintaining control and suppressing dissent. The tyranny, oppression, and disparagement posed by fiduciaries within the Kumasi Traditional Council undermine the supremacy of the rule of law. Their interference in the administration of Indigenous family lands, which is outside their purview, poses a significant threat to the rights and freedoms of Indigenous communities. This power imbalance allows powerful traditional authorities to exert undue influence, disregarding legitimate ancestral claims and instilling fear and panic within the community.

The media is an influential asset that we must leverage effectively. Your support is essential in providing us with the resources needed to utilize mainstream media to uncover and expose the truth about these injustices. It is imperative that we illuminate these issues and garner widespread support to safeguard the inalienable rights of Indigenous families.

The Victory:

In November 2024, the Circuit Court of Justice presided by Justice Abdul Razak Musah in Kumasi Metropolitan delivered a landmark decision affirming the family's inalienable rights to their ancestral lands. The court's ruling, grounded in the concept of Allodial Title (Absolute Ownership) as outlined in Section 2 of Ghana’s Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), validated their claims. This triumph, achieved with the support of Land Rights Defenders Inc., not only restored these Indigenous family’s rights but also set a crucial precedent for future land disputes

Conclusion:

The Indigenous People of Benimasi-Boadi’s victory is a poignant reminder that the fight for justice and heritage is never in vain. Their story will inspire generations to come, proving that with courage and determination, even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome. Join us in this fight and help us secure a just and equitable future for all Indigenous communities in Ghana

Call to Action:

We urge you to support our community in this critical time. Your contributions will help us protect the inalienable rights of Indigenous families and enforce the rule of law amidst the tyranny posed by the Kumasi Traditional Council. Together, we can ensure that justice and heritage are preserved for future generations.

• Court Judgement (PDF)
  
• Cadastral Boundary Plan (PDF)
  
• Indigenous Family Charter/Constitution (PDF)